Let's Get Local - Pollen Floral Design

I have a bit of a love affair with fresh flowers so it comes as no surprise that I am sharing another fabulous friend in the "let's get local" series. Today I am thrilled to introduce you all to the lovely Krissy from Pollen Floral Design. Not only is this beauty talented at arranging amazingly stunning florals, she is also an incredible singer and friend {she also was the gal behind the fab florals at my surprise birthday lunch}. She is a modern day renaissance woman dabbling in all sorts of artistic measures and it's safe to say I am a bit green with envy of her impressive talents. Just take a peak into her wonderful world below and see what I am talking about!

above images via Cambria Grace Photography

Tell us a bit about the gal behind the pretty florals. What do you like to do in your free time?

Well, I'm a bit of an introvert, so after a busy week, it's important for me to find some alone time!  My favorite way to start a weekend is sitting down with a tasty coffee and a fried egg over hash browns and whatever book I may be reading.  The polar vortex has been keeping me indoors lately, but I love a little day trip when I have the weekend off {with lots of antique store stops on the route}.  Halibut Point State Park is one of my favorite places to visit for a day.  As a florist, nature is always my biggest inspiration, so getting out in New England and being wowed by it's beauty is always refreshing!  

above image via Cambria Grace Photography

What inspired you to start your own business and do you have any advice for someone else about to venture down the same path?

I've always been an independent gal and I quickly realized that working a 9-5 in a cubicle was not for me.  Once I figured out that I needed the possibility of a daytime nap in my life, it became clear that I would need to be my own boss.  Pollen has been the perfect outlet for my creativity as well as providing me the flexibility that I love.  As far as advice goes, my biggest struggle was accepting that I didn't need to know everything to take this leap.  No one has it all figured out!  

above image via Cambria Grace Photography

above image via Lara Kimmerer

How would you describe your design aesthetic when it comes to executing an overall look for an event?

I've spend a good deal out time thinking about my style and how it compares to other florists I love.  I gravitate towards lush, romantic flowers and color palettes, and tend to design in a style that is natural, but not untamed.  When I design an event, I'm usually taking someone else's initial vision {the clients} and translating it into flowers.  Most couples don't come in with a list of flowers and color swatches {thank god}, so the fun part of the job is taking a little inspiration and running with it!

What are your favorite flowers to work with and what has been your favorite creation to date?

Ranunculus!!!!  I know a momma isn't supposed to have a favorite, but I can't hide it!  I've never done an event without these babies somewhere.  They can be bought year round, they come in basically every shade imaginable, and they last!  I had one on my nightstand for a month!!!  

When it comes to a favorite creation, that's a little tougher.  But I do have to say that the bridal bouquet is always a special thing for me.  I always set aside an hour so that I can futz with it until it is just right.  I also spend that time thinking about the bride and sending all of my hopes and dreams for her new life into that bouquet.  That way, when I walk into that bridal suite filled with champagne and hairspray, I can give her something that isn't just flowers, but something truly made with love for the day that is about her greatest love.

above image via P.H. Fitzgerald

above bouquet image via Zac Wolf Photography 

 Since you now call New England your home, what are some of your favorite places to shop, dine or visit in the area? 

image via

Drink - favorite Fort Point place for a cocktail {or multiple} and a conversation.  The bartenders are the best and most knowledgable in the city and the ambiance is great for chatting.  The burger is crazy good, as are all their small bites {shout out to Garner in the kitchen!}  My favorite drink is the Means of Preservation and it was developed here by the manager and the nicest guy ever, John Gertsen.

The Gallows - Wonderful chef-owned spot in the South End.  The food here is always good and their brunch is not to be skipped!  Not to mention they have an amazing cocktail list.

Redd's in Rozzie - My local watering hole!  I'm a Roslindale girl, so this chef-owned restaurant is my go to on weeknights when I want a tasty meal and a cocktail to end the night.  Bingo on Tuesday and Sunday Suppers!

Cambridge Antique Market - I usually hit this place up every other week.  Five floors of vintage and antique goodness.  I basically furnished my entire apartment from here and I always hit it up when I'm sourcing vintage containers for an event.

The Arnold Arboretum - As a country girl, the city can get a little small and overwhelming.  This Roslindale gem is just the ticket to make you feel like you're escaping city life but with just a few minutes in the car.  You'll find me sunning on a hillside with a pile of daisy chains in my lap {and maybe a bottle of bubbly on the sly!}

Let's Get Local - Floral Design

Morning lovelies....My apologies for the delay in todays post but we returned very late last night from our travels and I wanted to make sure todays  "let's get local" feature was nothing less then fabulous for you all to enjoy! I am beyond thrilled to share some serious pretty today with the talented gal behind the boutique floral design studio - The Little Flower Cottage. I have had the privilege of soaking up  Navya's beautiful works thanks to her stunning instagram and then finally getting to meet her at a Valentines DIY event earlier this month and she was just as wonderful as her work. So get comfy and check out the all the gorgeous details of her amazing floral designs and get to know the pretty lady behind the business just a little bit more!

Tell us a little about Navya, the gal behind the pretty flowers, i.e. where you grew up, what you like to do on your free time, personal style in fashion or home decor, guilty pleasures etc. 

I like to think that I’m a former city girl, living in the country! I was born and raised in the tri-state area but moved to Boston about ten years ago. After a fun-filled decade in bean-town, my husband Mike and I moved to the sweet little seaside community of Scituate. A lot of our spare time is spent working on our charming fixer-upper {a nantucket style antique cape} and getting to know the new town we call home! A perfect day usually involves hopping in our old sandy Jeep to head out for an adventure. Sometimes it’s just a long drive with a lovely view and sometimes it’s hitting my favorite local antique shops - which brings us to my guilty pleasure & home décor style! Think Anthropologie eclectic meets coastal charm. On the best of days these early morning excursions are followed up with days on the beach, soaking up the sun & sparkling ocean views. Is it Summer yet? 

What made you want to open up your own shop and what are some of the services you provide to your customers? 

I have long been obsessed with beautiful flowers but it wasn’t until planning my own wedding over three years ago that I was inspired to actually start my own business. I used to work long hours for a major financial corporation, but thanks largely in part to my sweet Husband’s encouragement, I took a chance and changed paths to pursue this dream. I knew from my personal experiences as a bride that I wanted to provide clients with a truly fun experience; a stress free moment in the journey of wedding planning. I can’t promise my bride’s that it won’t rain on their wedding day but I can promise them the flowers of their wedding dreams. The Little Flower Cottage primarily focuses on floral design for custom events like weddings & parties but, we’ve been branching out with personal orders for Holidays recently, and hope to see that side of our business grow. 

 Where do you get your inspiration for your incredible arrangements?

I am totally inspired by the beauty of nature. I try to work with as much locally sourced in-season product as possible which often gives my designs very distinct seasonal personality. I strive for each of my creations to feel fun, imaginative and a bit wild, almost as if they arrived straight from the garden!

images via Bring to Light Photography 

What accomplishment are you most proud of to date & or what's the best advice you received when starting your own business?

I hate to toot my own horn but, I am so proud of how far my business has come in the last year. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with many other talented creatives and seen my work published in a variety of respected media outlets -which is a dream come true. The advice I rely on most often came from my Father in Law {a successful entrepreneur himself} who told me that if your great at something and commit to it, you will succeed. It’s such a simple equation that I like thinking of during the moments of self doubt that come hand in hand with owning a business! 

Living & working near Boston/New England you must have some secret gems in our area. What are some of your favorite spots to dine shop or visit?

This is a toughie, because I adore New England and have so many favorites from The Vineyard to Bar Harbor. I do have to say that our little area on the coastal south shore boasts many beautiful spots and restaurants, so I am going to highlight some newfound gems that would collectively make for a perfect Summer day trip! 1. Duxbury Beach is a beautiful slice of sand (with public parking!) that will make you feel like you’re down the cape with half the traffic. 2. Enjoy drinks and music as you take a sunset sail around Scituate Harbor aboard an old fashioned wooden Schooner, The Lucky Finn. 3. If you love the Island Creek Oyster Bar in Boston, see where it all started and book a tour to visit the Island Creek Farm! 4. Head over to Scituate for a fine dining experience. Restaurant ORO is run by former south end chefs Jill and Robin King, and they’re serving up creative cocktails and locally sourced seafood. 5. Afterwards head to Galley Kitchen & Bar , a new restaurant in town with a vibrant bar scene you will be surprised to find outside of the city! And sometimes, despite all the amazing options, my favorite thing to do is just pack a picnic and head to the beach, simplicity at its best!